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Lightning strikes over California skies

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. soars through the sky over the California desert April 29. The F-35 is a 5th generation multi-role fighter capable of dominating combat air-space with radar-evading stealth and supersonic speed.

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. moves into position for mid-air refueling behind a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 344th Air Refueling Squadron from McConnell AFB, Kan., April 29 over the California desert. With a range of 5,000 miles, the KC-135 can stay airborne for an extended period of time and provide mid-air refueling for a variety of different aircraft.

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. flies over the desert April 29 over the California desert. Some of the capabilities of the F-35 include a range of more than 1,200 nautical miles, a top speed of Mach 1.6 and an 18,000 lb. internal weapons payload.

Two U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning IIs assigned to the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. fly in formation April 29 over the California desert. The F-35’s sensor package can gather and distribute more information than any other fighter aircraft in history. The information gathered can then be immediately shared with leaders on the ground who can make informed tactical decisions.

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho–As the dawn broke out over the mountains, I woke up to the sun peeping through my window. Once I got up I went straight to the kitchen to make my family breakfast yet in the back of my mind, all I could think about was, how am I going...

Air Force photographs by Rebecca Amber Ladies Professional Golf Association tour player Stephanie Louden demonstrates how to correctly use three golf clubs, a wedge, a 7-iron and a driver during the free golf clinic July 24. Lo...

Human fatigue results from sleep deprivation. Fatigue has become a growing concern in the Air Force as sustained and continuous operations, along with global deployments, are stretching the ability of our forces to meet growing mission demands. Some Airmen may question whether fatigue is really a big enough hazard to worry about. Fatigue can decrease...

U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chrissy Best Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III speaks with 501st Combat Support Wing Airmen during an all call at Royal Air Force Croughton, England, July 16. Welsh explained the...

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